The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most storied franchises, have a rich history marked by legendary players.
The Bears' commitment to honoring their players is a testament to their greatness. The relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jerseys is a symbol of the team's respect and appreciation for the contributions of these players. These numbers are more than just digits; they symbolize an era of dominance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the game.
From the gridiron's early days to the modern era, the Bears have produced a roster of Hall of Famers whose impact on the franchise is immeasurable. Their jerseys, permanently removed from circulation, serve as a constant reminder of the team's illustrious past and the high standards set by these iconic figures.
The Bears' retired numbers are a treasure trove of football lore, each a chapter in the team's captivating history. These jerseys represent the pinnacle of achievement in the NFL and the enduring impact of the players who earned this ultimate honor. Whether it's the bruising power of Walter Payton, the defensive genius of Mike Singletary, or the legendary coaching of George Halas, their influence on the Chicago Bears and the sport as a whole is undeniable.
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Jersey Number 3
Bronko Nagurski 1930–1937, 1943
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Jersey Number 5
George McAfee 1940–1941, 1945–1950
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Jersey Number 7
George Halas 1920- 1928
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Jersey Number 28
Willie Galimore 1957 -1963
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Jersey Number 34
Walter Payton 1975–1987
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Jersey Number 40
Gale Sayers 1965–1971
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Jersey Number 41
Brian Piccolo 1965–1969
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Jersey Number 42
Sid Luckman 1939–1950
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Jersey Number 51
Dick Butkus 1965–1973
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Jersey Number 56
Bill Hewitt 1932–1936
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Jersey Number 61
Bill George 1952–1965
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Jersey Number 66
Bulldog Turner 1940–1952
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Jersey Number 77
Red Grange 1925–1934
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Jersey Number 89
Mike Ditka 1961-1966
If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the
History of American Football Jersey.
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Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions
-Who is the most famous player that wore the jersey number 26 in NFL history? As you can see from our post above, there is plenty to choose from, but we will narrow it down to two great DBs, Herb Adderly of the Packers and Rod Woodson, best known for his time as a Steeler, both wore the number 26. You can learn more about this legend in our post about him here:
Herb Adderly and
Rod Woodson.
-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of
The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.
-What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled
Football Jerseys with Emblems.
-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge
College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.
